We, at Bowen Rotary, have learned that one of our neighbours is in need of a new kidney. You may know Monika, she has sung in so many choirs on Bowen Island you have probably heard her beautiful voice. Please read Monika’s letter and pass it along to anyone you think might be willing to help.

Dear Family and Friends,

I am writing this letter to my family and friends to share with you my need to pursue the option of a kidney transplant.

I have had kidney disease for over 40 years now. This has required regular monitoring by various doctors, and controlling my diet and blood pressure. Unfortunately, my condition has worsened and I am facing the reality of kidney failure in the near future.

After several months of tests, and given my age and lifestyle, the doctors have recommended a kidney transplant as my best option. Getting a living donor transplant is the best scenario for me. Also the prognosis for a successful transplant is better, if I can bypass dialysis, but of course, I will do all I have to, to keep well.

Now I need to find someone who would be willing to donate a kidney to me. Donors donate one of their two kidneys, and continue to lead full, normal lives, just like people who were born with only one kidney.

What I am hoping you might do for me, is to make as many people as possible aware of my situation in the hopes of finding someone who would choose to donate a kidney to me. It is very important that no one feel pressured or coerced into making this decision. I am aware of how serious a decision it is.

If you have questions, concerns or need more information, you can call the donor nurse at St. Paul’s Hospital in Vancouver, BC (this is where the transplant would take place). The donor nurse is part of the transplant team. She can be reached at 604-806-9027, and can also mail any potential donor a package of information about the transplant process. You may also call my social worker in the Kidney Care Clinic at 604-806-8226. I would be happy to discuss this with anyone interested as well.

Any contact with the transplant team by any potential donors will be treated confidentially.